Trump has been eager to step into the conversations between the PGA Tour and PIF since taking office and stated before the election that he could strike a deal between the two sides in 15 minutes. The President has relationships with both the PGA Tour and the PIF; his golf courses have been utilized by both circuits to hold tournaments.

The PGA Tour on Thursday credited Donald Trump with bringing the leading US men’s golf organiser “closer” to a deal with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which finances the rival LIV Golf series.

Tour officials said the session at the White House “brought us closer to a final deal” that would be subject to Justice Department antitrust scrutiny.